Deadly floods and landslides strike Java and Kalimantan provinces, Indonesia

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in Central Kalimantan’s Murung Raya Regency from April 9 to 10, affecting 194 families. Water levels ranged from 35–150 cm (14–60 inches), damaging 180 houses, two places of worship, and one school. Flooding was still affecting the region as of April 10.

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that the Gula, Kohong, Tuhup, and Laung rivers overflowed, giving rise to severe flooding.

In East Kalimantan’s Penajam Paser Utara Regency, flooding from April 9 to 10 affected 139 families in Karang Jinawi Village. The Miyango River overflowed, submerging homes. Although floodwaters have receded, main roads remained submerged as of April 10, causing transportation disruptions. BNPB reported existing infrastructure issues in the area.

A landslide in East Java, Indonesia, on April 3 killed 10 people after heavy rainfall triggered a mass of mud, rocks, and trees to cascade down onto a mountain road near the Watu Lumpang resort area in Mojokerto district. The victims included seven family members traveling in a van and three vegetable traders in a pickup truck, all buried by the debris. Search and rescue teams recovered the final bodies on April 4, including those of three children.

The incident was one of several hydrometeorological disasters reported across the country during the transitional weather season when extreme rainfall events are more frequent due to shifting atmospheric patterns.

In South Sulawesi’s Sinjai Regency, a tidal surge on April 1 affected 100 houses in Pasimarannu Village. Water levels reached 30–60 cm (12–24 inches). The flooding has since subsided, and no casualties were reported.

Central Sulawesi’s Donggala Regency and Java’s Grobogan Regency experienced flooding on April 1, affecting multiple houses across the villages of Kabonga Kecil, Kabonga Besar, and Batusuya. River overflows caused by upstream rainfall submerged roads.

In Central Java, flooding on April 1 submerged 19 homes and part of the Purwodadi–Blora highway in Sambirejo Village. The incident followed heavy rainfall and river overflow.

In Aceh’s Gayo Lues area, flooding from March 31 to April 1 affected homes and submerged 13 ha (32 acres) of rice fields and 1 ha (2.5 acres) of cornfields in Rerebe and Badak villages. The Aih Badak River overflowed, but water levels have since receded.

BNPB has issued a forecast for continued heavy rainfall over the next 72 hours from April 10, particularly across Borneo, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and western New Guinea. Residents are advised to stay updated through platforms such as the InaRisk app and to prepare basic emergency supplies.

Abdul Muhari, head of BNPB’s Disaster Data Center, reported ongoing weather risks, including short bursts of heavy rain, strong winds, and the possibility of tornadoes or hail. Local governments continue to monitor developments and remain on alert.

¹ Bencana Awal April: Banjir dan Rob Landa Sejumlah Wilayah – TVRI News – April 2, 2025

² BMKG ingatkan warga di Kepri waspada banjir rob hingga akhir April – ANTARA News – April 10, 2025

³ Published ECHO Daily Flash – ERCC – April 9, 2025

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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